Updated January 10, 2018 - A juvenile reported as a runaway by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 11, 2017 has been reunited with her family.
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that Monica Marie Carter, 16, of Joaquin, was detained by immigration and customs officers at the Mexico border in Progreso, TX on Jan. 8, 2018 as she attempted to cross back over into the United States. Carter was transported to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center where she was turned over to family members.
Carter fled Shelby County with 29 year-old Tommy Gene Riley of Lufkin. United States Customs Agents notified the SCSO that Carter crossed into Mexico on or about Sept. 15, 2017.
This case was under the investigation of SCSO Chief Deputy Kevin Windham.
Updated 3pm, September 18, 2017 - The Shelby County Sheriffs Office has received information that Monica Marie Carter is in Mexico. Carter was carried across the border by 29 year-old Tommy Riley, JR and his father, Leo Riley.
September 14, 2017 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Monica Marie Carter. Carter is described as a 16 year-old white female, 5’4” and approximately 200 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and tattoos on both wrists. She was last seen at her residence located at 673 East Saddle Street, Lot #5 in Joaquin on Sept. 11 around midnight.
Anyone with information on Carter’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lt. Kevin Windham at the SCSO at (936) 598-5601.
Leah Chase,SCSO Media Relations
